Gov. Wants Changes to Bill Addressing Carrier-Doctor Communications

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has returned to the Legislature a bill that would allow insurance carriers to deny claims if claimants refuse to sign a release allowing communication between their physician and the insurer. Bullock suggested an amendment to House Bill 358 to provide that the releases would allow communications only for the purpose of facilitating administrative aspects of the claim, such as scheduling appointments or requesting medical records. The governor’s proposed amendment would also allow the claimant to sign the release but also insist on notification of any ...